Protective packing inserts for machine tool holders

ABSTRACT

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a packing insert for holding a holder and a kit including a container configured to hold the insert. The insert including a base portion having a bottom side and a top side and a support member axially protruding from the top side of the base member, where the support member is configured to be at least partially received within a central bore of the holder received within the packing insert.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter is directed to protective packing inserts for machine tool holders, and in particular to packing inserts for securing the holders in a container.

The term “machine tools” as used herein refers to cutting tools, cutters, drills, mills, etc.

Due to the delicate nature of cutting tools and their holders, transportation and storage thereof presents a problem. Illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B are containers adapted for securely holding and stabilizing holder of machine tools with (seen in FIG. 1A) or without the machine tools. As seen in these examples, the container is typically custom fitted to a specific holder, as clearly seen in FIG. 1B. The bottom portion of the container, i.e. the receptacle, is configured with inwardly protruding support surfaces S extending from the side walls of the receptacle, configured to snugly receive and hold the holder of the machine tool, with the support surfaces abutting the outer surface of the holder. The specific container presented in the prior art figures is available from http://www.beckettplastics.co.uk/packaging/pdfs/SKBoxes.pdf accessed on Apr. 10, 2014.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a packing insert configured to securely hold and retain in place a holder of a machine tool within a container while having minimal contact with the peripheral surface of the holder and in particular a shank portion thereof. The packing insert can be also used as a support/holder for the tool holders outside the container, e.g. on a working bench surface, during storage, etc.

The packing insert of the disclosed subject matter is configured to securely hold and protect the holder and in particular the shank portion thereof, preventing damage and fretting wear on the outer peripheral surface of the shank portion, which might be caused, for example, during transport e.g. by wobbling of the holder within a container, and accidental contact of the holder with the walls of the container.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a packing insert for holding a holder comprising a base portion having a bottom side and a top side and a support member axially protruding from the top side of the base member, wherein the support member is configured to be at least partially received within a central bore of the holder received within the packing insert.

In accordance with an example of this aspect, there is further provided a circumferential wall configured to at least partially abut at least a bottom portion of an outer periphery of a shaft of the holder when received within said packing insert. In accordance with an example, the circumferential wall is provided with inwardly indented portions configured to abut the outer periphery of the shaft. In accordance with an example, the circumferential wall tapers away from the base portion.

In accordance with an example, the circumferential wall is continuous. In accordance with yet an example, the circumferential wall is provided with inwardly protruding support members.

In accordance with an example, the base portion of the packing insert is a web comprised of a plurality of strips.

In accordance with another example, the support member has a frusto-conical configuration.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a packing insert for holding an insert, the packing insert comprising a collar member having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of support legs extending from the outer surface of the collar member, wherein each of the plurality of support legs has a shoulder portion connecting the support legs to the collar member, wherein the collar member is configured to receive therethrough a shaft portion of the holder and wherein the shoulder portion is configured to support thereupon a flange of the holder.

In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, a bottom, free end of the support legs is provided with an outwardly bent leg portion.

In accordance with yet an aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a packing insert comprising a circumferential wall having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, a top edge and a bottom edge and wherein the packing insert is provided with at least two fin like support members extending inwardly at least along the top edge of the inner wall surface, and wherein the width of the support members corresponds to the width of a flange portion of a holder, the flange extending outwardly from a shaft portion of the holder.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a container receptacle, having a base member and a circumferentially extending wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner space configured for accommodating a holder therewithin, wherein the wall is provided with at least two inwardly protruding bulging members configured to at least partially being received within a slit provided on the flange portion of said holder.

In accordance with yet an example, the disclosed subject matter is directed to a kit comprising a packing insert for holding a holder, the insert comprising a base portion having a bottom side and a top side and a support member axially protruding from the top side of the base member, wherein the support member is configured to be at least partially received within a central bore of the holder received within the packing insert and container comprising a container receptacle and a cover, the container receptacle, having a base member and a circumferentially extending wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner space configured for accommodating a holder therewithin, wherein the wall is provided with at least two inwardly protruding bulging members configured to at least partially being received within a slit provided on the flange portion of said holder, and wherein the insert is configured to being received within the inner space of the container receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a prior art custom packing container, where in FIG. 1A the receiving portion of the container is presented, accommodating a holder and articulated thereto a machine tool, and in FIG. 1B the empty container is shown at an exploded view side by side;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view illustrating a receiving portion of a container, a holder for a machine tool having a taper shank, and a packing insert for the holder shank in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view illustrating a receiving portion of a container, a holder for a machine tool having a taper shank, and a packing insert for the holder shank in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view illustrating a receiving portion of a container, a holder for a machine tool having a cylindrical shank, and a packing insert for the holder shank in accordance with yet another example of the disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate the packing insert of FIG. 2 in the following views:

a top perspective view (FIG. 5A),

a top view (FIG. 5B), a cross section view taken along the lines A-A in FIG. 5B (FIG. 5C), and

a bottom view (FIG. 5D);

FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrate a perspective view of the packing insert of FIG. 5A retaining a holder with a cylindrical shaft and a cross-section view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5E, respectively;

FIGS. 5G and 5H illustrate the assembly of FIG. 5E placed in a receiving portion of the container in a top view and a cross section taken along line A-A in FIG. 5G, respectively;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view of the packing insert of FIG. 5A retaining a holder with a taper shaft and a cross-section view taken along line C-C in FIG. 6A, respectively;

FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate the assembly of FIG. 6A placed in a receiving portion of the container in a top perspective view and a cross-section taken along line D-D in FIG. 6C, respectively;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the packing insert in accordance with another example and as seen in FIG. 3 in the following views: a top perspective view (7A), and a top view (7B);

FIG. 7C illustrates an assembly of the packing insert of FIG. 7A retaining a holder with a taper shaft;

FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate the assembly of FIG. 7A placed in a receiving portion of the container in a top perspective view and a cross-section taken along line E-E in FIG. 7D, respectively;

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a packing insert in accordance with another example and as seen in FIG. 4 in the following views:

a top perspective view (FIG. 8A),

a top view (FIG. 8B), and

a cross section view taken along lines A-A in FIG. 8B;

FIGS. 8D and 8E illustrate an assembly of the packing insert of FIG. 8A retaining a holder with a cylindrical shaft in a top perspective view and a cross section taken along line F-F in FIG. 8D respectively; and

FIGS. 9A to 9E illustrate a container receptacle portion in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, in the following views:

a vertical cross section (FIG. 9A); in a top view (FIG. 9B);

a cross section taken vertically of a holder received within a container comprising a receptacle of FIG. 9A and an insert of FIG. 2 (FIG. 9C);

a cross section taken along D-D in FIG. 9C (FIG. 9D); and

a side perspective view of the exploded view of example illustrated in FIG. 9C (FIG. 9E).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Holders for a machine tool typically comprise a holder body also referred to as an arbor. The arbor (for example as seen in FIGS. 2 to 4) comprises a tool mounting portion M, M′, an arbor shank S, S′ and a flange portion F, F′ circumferentially configured between the shank and the tool mounting portion. The shank can be either of a conical, tapering configuration, with the diameter decreasing from the flange towards the end portion of the shank (often referred to as a v-flange holder) for example as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 or of a substantially cylindrical configuration (often referred to as an HSK tool holder) seen in FIG. 4. Extending longitudinally within the shank portion there is typically provided a central bore with an internal thread typically configured to receive a pull stud or a retention knob. In the tool mounting portion, a central aperture is provided configured to receive a shank of a machine tool.

In operation, the machine tool is mounted over or received within the tool mounting portion and a spindle or a retention knob, or both, are articulated over the shank portion.

In order to provide precise machine intolerance it is crucial that the surface of the shank portion of the holder has full contact with the surface of a corresponding spindle socket. If full contact is not established relative movement between the tool holder and the spindle can occur, especially under heavy machinery loads. Such movement can produce machining errors and thus machine tolerance will not be maintained. It will also cause fretting wear in the tool shank and spindle and reduce the life of the machine tool.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a packing insert configured to securely hold and retain in place a holder of a machine tool within a container while having a minimal contact with the peripheral surface of the holder and in particular the shank portion thereof. The packing insert can be also used as a support/holder for the tool holders outside the container, e.g. on a working bench surface, during storage, etc.

The packing insert of the disclosed subject matter is configured to securely hold and protect the holder and in particular the shank portion thereof, preventing damage and fretting wear on the outer peripheral surface of the shank portion, which might be caused, for example, during transport e.g. by wobbling of the holder within a container, and accidental contact of the holder with the walls of the container.

The inserts in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are made of a plastic material, such as HDPE, PP, and the like,

FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate an exploded view of the assembly comprising a receiving portion of the container, generally designated 100, 100′, a packing insert designated 200, 300, 400, respectively, and a holder 110, 120 for a machine tool (not shown). Shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are holders 110 having a taper shank portion, while FIG. 4 illustrates a holder 120 having a substantially cylindrical shank portion. These assemblies will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show a packing insert 200 in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter. As seen in FIG. 5A, the insert 200 comprises a circumferentially extending wall portion 230, having a top edge 256 and a bottom edge 257, the wall portion 230 being slightly outwardly tapered from the bottom towards the top edge and having a plurality of inwardly indented wall portions 231 (in the illustrated example, four such portions are present), a bottom portion 220 constituted by a web having a cross like configuration of a plurality of elongated strips 222, 224, 226, 228, disposed between the opposing edges of the wall portion 230 adjacent the bottom portion 220 of the insert 200. Extending axially from the center of the web towards the top edge 256, there is provided a support member 250. The support member 250 has in this example a frusto-conical configuration, having a tapered circumferential wall 258 and a substantially planar top wall 259. The support member 250 extends just below the top edge 256 of the insert such that its height H is shorter than the height h measured from the bottom portion 220 to the top edge 256 of the insert 200. To reinforce the structure, and provide it with structural stability, connecting the edges of the bottom edge 257 of the circumferential wall 230 are two crossing reinforcing ribs R1 and R2. From the center of the crossing ribs there is provided an axially extending elongate support post P, extending towards the top wall 259 of the support member 250.

It will be appreciated that while the wall 258 has a continuous surface, the support member 250 can have a different design, e.g. of a non continuous wall. The height H can also differ and can be equal or even be longer than height h of the circumferential wall of the insert 200.

The insert 200 of the disclosed subject matter is configured to hold and stably support a machine tool holder. The holder can be either a holder 120 having a circular shaft (seen in FIGS. 5E to 5H) or a holder 110 having a tapering shaft (seen in FIGS. 6A to 6D). As seen in the illustrated examples, with both holders, the holder is seated within the insert 200 such that the support member 250 is received in the central bore B of the holder which is configured to receive a pull stud or a retention knob of the spindle. The circumferential wall 258 is configured to substantially abut the inner surface of the bore wall 125 (in the example of the cylindrical holder 120, FIGS. 5F to 5H) and 115 (in the example of the tapering holder 110, FIGS. 6A to 6D). The support member can either extend the entire depth of the central bore as exemplified in FIG. 5F or alternatively extend only partially within the bore, e.g. as seen in FIG. 6B.

As seen in FIG. 5E, to provide further stability to the holder 129 when seated in the insert 200, the inner surface 237 of the circumferential wall 230 at the inwardly indented portions 231 abut the outer peripheral surface 127 of the shaft of the holder 120, thus providing an additional dimension of stability and support to the holder.

FIGS. 5G and 5H illustrate the insert 200 received together with the holder 120 within a receptacle portion of the container 100. The container 100 has a base portion 105 and an elongated circumferentially extending side wall 104, extending from the base portion 105. The insert 200 in this example is placed within the container 100 such that the outer surface 234 (seen in FIGS. 5A and 5E) thereof is in close contact with the inner surface 102 of the wall 104 of the container 100, such that at least a portion of the wall (in the present example, only the top portion) is in contact therewith, thus providing further stability to the holder secured thereby.

The example illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D differs in that the holder is a tapering shaft holder, as such the inwardly protruding side wall of the insert 200 does not come in contact with the outer peripheral surface 112 of the shaft portion S of the holder 110. When placed in the container 100, the stability of the holder is enhanced by the close contact between the outer surface of the wall 234 of the insert 200 and the inner surface 102 of the side wall 104 of the container 100 (in addition to the support provided by the support member 250 received within the central threaded bore B of shaft S).

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another example of the insert generally designated 300 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, in a top perspective view and in a bottom view, respectively. The insert 300 is configured to hold a holder 110 having a tapering shaft, as illustrated in FIGS. 7C to 7E. The insert 300 in accordance with this example comprises a collar member 350 and a plurality of support legs 360 (four illustrated in the present example). The collar member 350 has a circumferentially extending wall 351 having a bottom edge 352 and top edge 354, the wall having an outer surface 355 and an inner surface 356. The circumferential wall 351 is tapered from the bottom edge 352 outwardly towards the top edge 354. The taper angle substantially corresponds to the taper angle of the respective tapering shaft. Extending from the top edge 354 are wall extension members 357, each corresponding with the respective support legs 360 of the insert 300 (in this example, four such extensions are presented). The extensions follow the taper angle of the collar member 350 and extend to a height therefrom. In the present example the height of the extension corresponds to the longitudinal distance between the portion of the shaft from the top edge 354 of the collar member up to the flange F portion of the holder (seen in FIG. 7C). Each support leg 360 has a shoulder portion 365 extending outwardly from the extension 357. The shoulder portion 365 is dimensioned to provide a resting surface for the flange which in an assembly will extend thereupon (best seen in FIGS. 7C and 7E).

Extending away and downwards from the edge of each shoulder portion 365 are corresponding four wall surfaces 366 of the legs 360, extending at an angle outwards and downwards respective to the collar member 350. The wall surfaces 366 have a bottom edge, which extends lower than the bottom edge 354 of the collar 350 so as to allow the shaft S to be partially received within the insert 300 and at the same time to prevent the bottom edge of the shaft when received within the collar from coming in direct contact with the surface on which the ends of the legs 360 are placed (seen best in FIG. 7C). The bottom end of each leg is formed with an outwardly bent leg portion 363 configured to lock in a snap-fit fashion at a corresponding locking arrangement which can be provided at the bottom portion of the container, e.g. by providing an outward protrusion 107 at the lower portion of the side wall of the container. To provide strength and stability to the structure, each leg is connected to the collar member 350 by a thin, fin like extension 368 extending laterally between each leg member and the outer surface 355 of the collar member. In addition, the outer surface of the legs 360 is provided with a reinforcing rib 369.

When assembled, the insert 300 is placed into the receiving portion of the container 100 and the holder, with its shaft portion S facing towards the base of the container is introduced into the collar 350. Due to the structure of the insert of this example, the bottom portion of the shaft will be spaced apart from the base of the container 100, the mid section will be retained by the collar such that the outer surface of the shaft is in direct contact with the inner surface 356 of the collar member and the bottom surface of the flange extending between the shaft and the tool mounting portion M, will abut the shoulder portion 365 of the insert legs 360.

FIGS. 8A to 8E, illustrate yet another example of the packing insert generally designated 400 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. As in the above example, the insert is structured to snugly fit the shaft of the holder therewithin, having minimal contact between the outer surface of the shaft (seen in FIGS. 8D and 8E) and preventing contact with any other surfaces which can surround the assembly, e.g. such as the container (not shown). The insert 400 in accordance with this example comprises a circumferentially extending wall 420 having a top edge 422 and a bottom edge 424 and a web like base 426 disposed therebetween. In this example the base is disposed at a distance from the bottom edge 424. While this example illustrates a web like base 426, having apertures 428 (e.g. for ventilation) it will be appreciated that other structures of the base can be provided, such as a solid surface base.

Extending inwardly to the center of the insert 400 from the base 426 towards the top edge 422 of the insert are a plurality of thin, fin like support members 450 (six are present in the illustrated example, although it will be appreciated that this number can vary in the range of 2 to n number of such support members). The support members 450 have a free top edge 452 and a free side edge 454 extending from the top edge of the insert 422 towards the base 426 of the insert 400. The width w of the support member 450 substantially corresponds to the width W of the flange member F of the holder circumferentially extending outwards from the shaft portion S. The length L of the support member corresponds to the height l measured from the bottom edge of the shaft of the tool holder 120 to the bottom edge of the flange F. As seen best in FIG. 8E, this configuration allows the insert to snugly receive the shaft S of the holder 120, while laterally supporting the shaft S in place with the bottom surface of the flange F of the holder 120 resting on the top edge 452 of the support member 450.

FIG. 9A illustrates another example of the disclosed subject matter and is directed to a receptacle portion of the container generally designated 500 configured for tightly securing a holder 110 therewithin. The receptacle is similar to known in the art receptacle, and differs in that it is configured to securely hold and protect the holder and in particular the outer peripheral surface of the shank portion, which might be caused, for example, during transport e.g. by wobbling of the holder within a container, and accidental contact of the holder with the walls of the container.

Typical v-flange holder for example, comprises two laterally extending rail like slits 101 at the flange portion F, at least partially extending through the flange F (as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 9E where the slit extends along the entire length of the flange). The receptacle portion 500 of this example is provided with two inwardly protruding bulges 520, extending on the inner surface 510 of the circumferential wall 510 of the receptacle portion 500. These inwardly protruding bulges 520 are dimensioned and sized to conform to the rail like slit 510 so as to tightly slide within at least a portion of the rail like slits of the holder, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D. As seen in FIG. 9E, the holder is inserted into the receptacle 500 such that the slit 101 along the flange F is in parallel to the bulge 520 (marked by 540 to illustrate the outer surface of the bulge, which in this example has been constituted by a depression in the outer surface of the circumferential wall 510 of the receptacle 500).

The size and dimensions of the bulges are such that when in contact with the holder slit, each bulge is received within at least a portion of the respective rail like slit, with near zero tolerance. In accordance with an example, when the bulges are made from a relatively elastic material, they can be sized to dimension exceeding that of the slit, such that some amount of force is applied to the holder when slid over the bulge. As seen in FIG. 9C, this feature is a feature that can be used in conjunction with the insert 200 for example, or any other insert in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. This will further ensure that damage and fretting wear on the outer peripheral surface of the shank portion are prevented, which can be caused, for example, during transport e.g. by wobbling of the holder within a container, and accidental contact of the holder with the walls of the container. 

1. A packing insert for holding a holder, comprising a base portion having a bottom side and a top side, and a support member axially protruding from the top side of the base portion, wherein the support member is configured to be at least partially received within a central bore of the holder received within the packing insert.
 2. The packing insert in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a circumferential wall upwardly extending from the base portion in the direction of the support member and configured to at least partially abut at least a bottom portion of an outer periphery of a shaft of the holder when received within said packing insert.
 3. The packing insert in accordance with claim 2, wherein the circumferential wall is provided with inwardly indented portions configured to abut the outer periphery of the shaft.
 4. The packing insert in accordance with claim 2, wherein the circumferential wall tapers away from the base portion.
 5. The packing insert in accordance with claim 2, wherein the circumferential wall is continuous.
 6. The packing insert in accordance with claim 2, wherein the circumferential wall is provided with inwardly protruding support members.
 7. The packing insert in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base portion of the packing insert is a web comprising a plurality of strips.
 8. The packing insert in accordance with claim 1, wherein the support member has a frusto-conical configuration.
 9. A packing insert for holding a holder, the packing insert comprising a collar member having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of support legs extending from the outer surface of the collar member, wherein each support leg of the plurality of support legs has a shoulder portion substantially laterally extending from a top edge of the collar member to connect the plurality of support legs to the collar member, wherein the collar member is configured to receive therethrough a shaft portion of the holder, and the shoulder portion is configured to support thereupon a flange of the holder.
 10. The packing insert in accordance with claim 9, wherein a bottom, free end of the plurality of support legs is provided with an outwardly bent leg portion.
 11. A packing insert, comprising: a circumferential wall having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, a top edge and a bottom edge; and at least two fin-shaped support members extending inwardly at least along the top edge of the inner wall surface, wherein the width of the at least two fin-shaped support members is less than or corresponds to a width of a flange portion of a holder, the flange portion extending outwardly from a shaft portion of the holder, and the top edge of the at least two fin-shaped support members is configured to support at least a portion of the flange portion thereon.
 12. A container receptacle, comprising a base member and a circumferentially extending wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner space configured for accommodating a holder therewithin, wherein the wall comprises at least two inwardly protruding bulging members configured for at least partially being received within a slit provided on a flange portion of said holder.
 13. A kit, comprising: a. a packing insert for holding a holder, the packing insert comprising a base portion having a bottom side and a top side, and a support member axially protruding from the top side of the base portion, wherein the support member is configured to be at least partially received within a central bore of the holder received within the packing insert; and b. a container comprising a container receptacle and a cover, the container receptacle having a base member and a circumferentially extending wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner space configured for accommodating a holder therewithin, wherein the wall comprises at least two inwardly protruding bulging members configured for at least partially being received within a slit provided on a flange portion of said holder, wherein the packing insert is configured to be received within the inner space of the container receptacle. 